Construction of floors, walls, etc.



Aug. 14, 1934.

H. G. JENKINSON CONSTRUCTION OF`FLOORS, WALLS, ETC

Filed April 30. 1931 4 sheets-sheet 1 IH Il Il Il ATTORNEYS AU- 14; 1934- H. G. JENKlNsoN 1,970,457

CONSTRUCTION OF FLOORS, WALLS, ETC

Filed April 50, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Herer gq' on, eenkiron,

Mfrs/ra.

ATTORNEYS Aug 14, 1934 H. G. JENKlNsoN 1,970,457

CONSTRUCTION OF' FLOORS, WALLS, ETC

Filed April 50, 1931 4 Sheets--SheecI 5 BY Mr/o,

ATTORNEYS Allg. 14, 1934. Q JENKlNSON 1,970,457

CONSTRUCTION OF' FLOORS, WALLS, ETC

' Filed April 50. 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 l/-Illl 4. i7 #Wwf/Mlm Tw/w n@ w w w m BYMr/o.

ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 14, 1934 CONSTRUCTION OF FLOORS, WALLS, ETC.

Herbert Gordon Jenkinson, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Application April 30, 1931, `Serial No. 534,072

In Australia February 5, 1931v l rIhis invention relates to the design and construction of a supporting frame for structures subject to loading or pressure such as oors of buildings or other structures, walls of bins and tanks, sides and decks of ships and the like, and in particular it comprises a construction of comparatively light `members so mutually interactive and intersupporting that the necessity for using large beams or girders (i. e. main and sec- A ondary and other beams) to support such structure is obviated or minimized, thereby reducing the amount of material required to be used.

A frame constructed according to this invention comprises groups of interacting members cal5 pable of withstanding flexure and shear of comparatively 'small section of steel, iron, Wood or other material so positioned and securely fastened together that the said members tend to assisteach other in two or more directions and i120 by mutual interaction transmit the load or pressure on the structure to the supporting columns, walls, wall beams or struts (as'the case may be) generally without the intervention of other members such as main or secondary lgirders, an

: adequate number of the said members of comto the columns,`struts, wall or the like, but in my` invention by the iixture and/or constraint of some of the members at and/or adjacent to supports, struts or the like as above mentioned and 140 thedevelopment of great negative bending moment in'such members thereby, such' large beams or girders are rendered unnecessary except in specialy cases and the total weight of timber or metal used is therefore minimized by the more effective use thereof.

'The following are some ways in which the above-mentioned fixture or constraint may be obtainedl Firture.-Selected members can be welded or riveted to a seating at the top of the column, strut, wall beam or other support. The seating for the selected members may be a plain plate secured upon the top of a column, or two or more short lengths off girder or channel sec- 5' tion secured upon the top or side of a column, or

a lengthof beam or plate secured vupon the top of a wall or other suitable rigid support may be used. j. Constmntm) Adjacent to the top ofthe column'or other support all members by reason of being securely fastened together and the mutual interactionV due to this fastening are so circumstanced asto develop negative bending moment under load, provided at least one member passing over the column is held rmly where it passes over the column or other support.

(b) Membersvpassing over head of coiumnjor supportv and being rmly held down' by weight of a column or 'the like above them would be a case of constraint.y H r (c) Members passing over the head of an interior column. or other support or passing adja' cent rthereto would in the caseof a Lmiform load (such as the load onthe iioor of an elevated'water tank of uniform depth) be placed in negative bending moment'by such uniform load and, as the load would be equally balanced by its uniformity around the column, the members in negative bending would beV constrained by such condition even though none. of them might be actually fixed to the column or support.

*Inf order that my invention may be more clearly understood I will describe the same with referenceA to the' accompanying drawings lin whichz- Fig. 1 vrepresents a frame for a floor structure or for the deck of a ship supported on columns and consisting of two systems of.r interacting members, the members of the one system'running in'one direction and resting upon the members of the other system running in another direction approximately at right angles to the first system.

Fig. 2' is an enlarged viewyof` portion of the frame shownr in Fig. 1 for the purpose of showing more clearly the "arrangement of the interacting members over the head of a supporting column.

Fig. 3 represents an arrangement of members similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 except that the members of the two systemsare placed diagonally'sin relation to the position of the columns or supports. j

Fig. 4 isA a similar view to that in Fig. 2 'but consisting of members grouped in four superim posed planes. 1

Fig. 5 is a cross section on line 5, 5 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 6 is a plan view partly in section of aframe for a flooror a like `structure constructed according to my invention usingthe arrangement of members shown in Figs. land 2.' f r -1 I-Fig. l'1 is a side elevation partlyin section o! portion of the frame for a wall of a bin or tank or side of a ship or the like showing an arrangement of members similar to that shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a cross section on line 8, 8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view showing a similar arrangement of members to that shown in Fig. 1 but showing also stiffening members arranged around an opening in a floor and showing also the edge of the floor, tank or other construction resting upon a wall beam.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the frame comprises a system of approximately parallel members l of comparatively small cross section running in one direction and resting on a similar system of members 2 running in another direction, preferably approximately at right angles to the direction of members 1, the members 1 being rigidly welded, riveted or otherwise fastened to the members 2 either at all or at a suitable number of points of crossing, the members throughout the structure' being suitably spaced and designed -to take the stresses duetto the loads on the completed floor structure or the like, and a suitable number of members being constrained or securely iixed at or adjacent to the tops of the columns or supports 3, and a suitable number of these constrained or fixed members having a bearing on each support 3 to properly transmit the load thereto. Normally the members 1 and y2 will extend to the full length and width of the floor or other structure but at and adjacent to the columns or other supports shorter intermediate members 4 maybe interposed in both systems 1 and 2, and generally shorter lengths may be interposed anywhere in any construction based on my inventionto provide for local stresses or strains. In the drawing I have shown the frame carried upon the tops of the columns, but the columns may pass through the floor and the frame be carried by brackets or supports fastened to the side of the column.

According to the construction shown in Fig. 3 the arrangement of members 1, 2 and 4 is in every respect similar to the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 except that the members 1, 2 and 4 run in a diagonal direction in relation to the po- Generally in a sition of the columns or supports. structure designed .and constructed` according ,to my invention .it is not essential to have the-members 1, 2 and 4 running in any particular direction in relation to the positions of the columns or supports so long as the members are arranged in two systems of interacting members fastened together at some or all of their points of crossing. A` According to the modication shown in Fig. 4 the interacting systems of members Vare arranged as described in Figs; 1 and 2 but groupedrin four planes. According to my invention the members can be grouped in any number of planes provided that the members are firmly fastened together at a -suiiicient number of points of crossing to enable the structure asa whole to resist positive and negg-4 ative bending moment in two directions, approximately at right angles, and suflicient membersare constrained at or near the columns or other supports -to carry out the basic idea of lmy invention.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have sho-wn portion `of a floor or the like embodying my invention usingY the arrangement of. interacting members shown in Fig.

1, but any arrangement of members satisfying thek basis of my invention may be used. g 1 and2 are the upper members v1 and. iireproof surfacing 6 of gypsum tile, aerocrete, reinforced concrete or other suitable material is attached to the lower members 2. In the case of inclined or vertical structures according to my invention any necessary surfacing or iireprooiing would be xed to members on either side or on both sides of the frame as desired.

' In Figs. 'l and 8 I have shown portion of wall of a bin or tank or side of a ship or the like designed and constructed according to my invention using an arrangement of interacting members similar to that shown in Fig. 1. Members 1, 2 and 4 perform similar functions to the like members in Fig. transferring the load generally without intervention of main or secondary beams or the like to the heads 7 of struts or other supports 8. Surfacing 5 consisting of metal plating or any other suitable'material may be attached to either side or both sides of the frame and fireproof surfacing as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 may be attached to either side or both sides of the frame. AAs applied to the wall of a tank'or the side of a ship the members would be arranged in two systemsl rigidly fastened together at their points of crossingy as above described, some of the members being constrainedor fixed at or adjacent to struts or the like joining two opposite sides or joining sides to the bottom or otherwise supported.

- In Fig. 9 I have shown on the left hand side an opening in a frame for a floor or similar structure designed and constructed according to my invention, the interacting members 1, 2 and 4 being arranged as represented in Fig. 1. Around the opening the membersL 2 and 4 are rigidly attached as necessary to the stiening members 4.

On the right hand side I have shown the edge ,A

of the frame for the floor, deck or other construction according to my invention resting on a wall-beam 9and a suitable number of members 1k rigidly attached to the wall-beam 9 to develop the necessary negative moments to enable the structure to function in accordance with the basic idea of my invention.

- Generally a frame designed and constructed according `to my invention may be supported on a beam anywhere for some special purpose such as the support of an exceptionally heavy concentrated load.' In 'such case a suitable number of the' members which rest on such beam must be fixed or constrained at their place of support on the beam, and also generally the supports of a frame designed and constructed according to my invention need not be regularly arranged but can occur anywhere. Although in the drawings the arrangement of members is generally represented as shown in Fig. 1 the members may be arranged according to the modications shown in Fig. 3 or in any other way provided that the members are so fastened together and so con-l strained at or near the supports as to` develop positive and negative moments in the structure It is apparent from the foregoing description that the Aframework comprises a double-deck arrangement mainly of relatively long members, spaced apart and interspersed with relatively short members `placed in alternation but situated-only at points of load concentration. The various members in the two decks lie indiiferent directions andare lsecured together to compos a self-sustaining openwork mat. .f In erectingk a frame according to my inventio the members are heldin place by struts orprops;

or staging or the Vlike,Ir'ireferably of timber,`until they are fixed. Although it is preferable to fasten the members at all points of .crossing they may in some cases be Lfastened at alternate or even fewer points of crossing. Normally the members of both upper and lower systems` or inner and outer systems, as the case may be, extend to the Vfull length and width of the iioor orother structure, but at and adjacent to the columns oriother sup,- ports shorter. intermediate ymembers may be interposed in both upper and lowerisystems or inner and outer systems, 4as thev case may be, and generally shorter lengths may be interposed anywhere in a construction based on my invention to provide for local stresses 'or strains. 'Ihemernbers may be constructed each of asingle vpiece of material or of two or'more pieces joined together, the joints bein'g designed and suitable for taking the 4bending moment `and shear at the place where vthe joint is made; '1

It will be seen from the foregoing that when members are arranged in two groups so that the members of the one group are approximately atright angles to the members of the other group and are rigidly interconnected therewith,` and further that when the'members are constrained at the supports, then in such case such frame has no members which by themselves transmit load to the supports, and `more 'important still it needs no such members or main or secondary beams. All load :is transmitted through numerous' interacting members from the point of application to the supports a's'canbe readily seen when a concentrated load acting-cna member of one of the groups is considered. Sucha load causes deectionin the member on-either' side of the point of loading', but as the membersof the other group are rigidly interconnected withthis loaded member any deflection of itwill be resisted by them.V They however in vturn lare rigidly interconnected with the members of the iirst group and-deflection of the members of the second group is resisted by the members of the iirst group so that a frame is produced in which all the members interact and bending moments are thus generated by any member about other members.

Thus the considered load is not transferred to the supports through any one or two members but is transmitted out in a multiplicity of directions and is transmitted toward the supports through a multiplicity of members. Similarly the load is collected at the supports from a multiplicity of directions and by a multiplicity of members, due to the negative bending moments introduced in the members by their constraint at these points.

What I claim isz- 1. An openwork frame for a floor, or similar structure such as a wall of a bin or tank or side or deck of a ship, consisting of two systems of intersecting members the interstices of which are adapted to remain unfilled, the members of the one system running in one direction and resting upon the members of the other system running Yin another direction approximately at right angles to the first system, and the members of one direction, a similar lower system of members right anglesv to the uppermembers, and means by which the members of thel upper system are rigid@ lyrsecured to. the members of "the lower'system at certain of their intersections, the interstices Vof the resulting-:framework being adapted to'remain open; asuitable number ofthe lower orupper members having aA xed bearing'on eachsupport to properly transmit v'load thereto' and. -develop negative bending momenti.v w

3. For transmitting load to asupportya Aframe comprising two' associatedpxgroups of members capable ofi-resisting fleXuralstress-and shear,the membersof the one group being superimposed upon-and s extending transversely with' respect Ato the members of the other'groupj the members of both groups I'being rigidly interconnectedfto mutually interact to develop bending moments about each other sothat a load `applied atany pointis transmitted in a'multiplicity of directions, the frame being constrained at .the supportsoV that the membersdevelop negative -bendingm'oments about the support and -concentrate load` from a multiplicity of directions tosuch support. I 4. For transmitting load toa support,'a'1frame as set forthl in claim BCharacterize'd by-vadditional short members at points 'of 'heavy stress, the short members being similarly .arranged in two. groups Vand rigidly interconnected with veach other and with the two main groups''" i 5. For transmitting load to a support, a vtrame as set forth in claim 3 characterized by additional short members at thesupport, the Vadditional short;I members being' similarly arranged in two groups and interconnected with each-other and with the two main 'groups and-being constrained atthe support. r 1

6. A frame for transmitting aload from a surface `to supports characterizedby two associated groups of substantially .similar 4members capable of resisting flexural'stress and shear, the members of the one group being superimposed upon and extending transverselyI v'with respect to thev members of the other group and being substantially similarly arranged, the members of both groups being rigidly interconnected to mutually interact to develop bending moments about each other, and the frame being constrained at the supports so that the members develop negative bending moments about the supports.

7. In a frame as set forth in claim 6 additional shorter members for each group each rigidly interconnected with the members of its group, such members being in parallel alignment with and in the same plane as the other members of its group and arranged about the points of maximum bending moment.

8. A frame for transmitting a load from a surface to supports characterized by associated groups of substantially similar members capable of resisting iiexural stress and shear, the members of alternate groups being superimposed upon and extending transversely with respect to the,

members of the remaining groups, all groups being similarly arranged, the members of all the groups being rigidly-interconnected to mutually interact to develop negative bending moments about each other and the frame being constrained at the supports so that the members develop negative bending moments about the supports.

9. In a frame as set forth in claim 8, additional shorter members for each group each rigidly interconnected with the members of its group, such members being in parallel alignment with and in the same plane as the other members of running in another direction approximately at its group and arranged about the" points of maximum bending moment. f i .Y

10. For transmitting load from a surface to a support, a frame comprising a group of substantially parallel members capable of resisting flexural and shear stress, certain'of Asaid members being arranged to bear on said support, another group of exural and shear resisting members superimposed upon said `first group, the members of the second groupbeing similar in shape and similarly arranged to .thefmembers' of the first group but extending transversely thereof, thetwo groups being rigidly connected together at their points of crossing so that the members develop bending moments about each other and negative bending moments about the supportn 11. For transmitting load from a surfacev to a support, a frame comprising a'group of members capable of resisting flexural and shear stress, certain of said members being rigidly secured to said support, another group of flexural and shear resisting members 'superimposedl upon said first group, the members of the second group being similar in shape and similarly arranged to the members of the first group but extending trans-2 versely thereof, the two groups being -rigidly connected together at certain of their points of. crossing so that the members develop bending moments about each other and negative bending j moments about the support.

' the one group being superimposed upon and extending transversely with respect to the members of the other group and being substantially similarly arranged, the members ofboth groups being rigidly interconnected tomutually interact to develop bending moments about each other, the frame being constrained at the supports so that the members develop `negative bending moments about the supports, and the rframe having upon it a covering of sheet material.

1 i 13. For transmitting load to a support, a frame having no main beams but consisting essentially of two associated groups of substantially similar members which are capable of resisting flexural stress and .shear and are not embedded in a stressed medium, the members of .the one Lgroup being superimposed upon and extending transversely with respect to the members of the other group, and the members of the one group being rigidly secured to the members of the other group at-certain of their points of crossing to develop bending moments about each other and being constrained at the supportto develop negative bending moments 'about the support.

^ 14"; For'transmitting load to a support, a frame having no main beams but consisting essentially of two associated groupsof members capable of resisting flexural stress and shear, the members being of relatively small cross-section and not embedded a stressedmedium, the members of one groupbeing superimposed upon and extending transversely of the members of the other group, and the two groups of members being rigidly-connected together at certain of their points of crossing to develop bending moments about each other and being constrained at the support to develop negative bending moments about the support.

15. In a building construction, a framework consisting of a double deck of relatively long spaced members, the members in one deck lying in different directions'from the members in the other deck, relatively short members included in 1710 each deck being placed in alternation with the respective long members and situated at points of load concentration, and means to secure the various members of the two decks together to compose a self-sustaining, openwork mat.

VHERBERT GORDONl JENKINsoN. m

CERTIFICATE OF GQRREE'HQN.

intoni: No, LQ'AS?. August `14, 1934.

HERBERT GORDON JENKHNSQN.

i it is nefeby certified that error appears in the printed specification oi the above ninnncreti patent requiring correction ne ioiiows: Page 3, line 150, claim 9, strike out the Words "running in another direction approximately at" and insert the same niiet line 75, of claim 2; and thnt the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the saine may conform to the record of the ense in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 5th day ot February, A. D. 1935.

Leslie Frazer (Soni) Acting Commissioner oi Patents. 

